Embeded in Serenity in Kalijai Island in Chilika Lake

Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake

Kalijai Temple is located on an island in Chilika Lake. It is considered to be the abode of the Goddess Kalijai. Goddess Kalijai is actually Kali, the source and the first 'Mahavidya' of 'Dasmahavidyas'. Highly revered by the local populace, the deity has been venerated in the local folklores and legends. The island provides an excellent destination for pilgrims as well as tourists. Every year in January, a huge gala fair is held during the festival of Makar Sankranti.

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Goddess Kalijai The Amsa of Kali

Legend has it that a newly married girl (named Jaai) along with her father was going to meet with her husband. As her in-law's house was on an island in Chilika Lake they had to take a boat to ferry them across the lake. Orissa's coast is very prone to Cyclones and during this boat trip they encountered with a severe Cyclone, as a result their boat capsized in the Chilika Lake. All the boatmen and her father survived this event except for the girl Jaai. They search for her but were unable to locate her. After this accidental death of that newly wed girl, she became the Goddess of people residing nearby and till now, she is worshiped as an Amsa of Kali. And, this is how the place got its name.

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Chilika Lake is India’s largest brakish water lagoon,

Chilika Lake is India’s largest brakish water lagoon, spread over Khurud, Puri and Ganjam district of Odisha. Chilika lake has a unique ecosystem that was formed by assemblage of fresh water, brackish and unique marine life. The lagoon was designated as a ” Ramsar Site” in the year 1981 and the place is of International Importance. The lake is a home to millions of different species of fish that supports the life of local fisherman. Chilika lake covers a distance of 1,100 sq Km and supports a wide range of flora and fauna.

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Enjoying the serenity at evening time

At evening time its the source of all serenity and peace...the abode of tranquility

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I started my journey at morning:my boating to Kalijai island

I started my journey at morning:my boating to Kalijai island. I came to Panthanivash Chilika. I booked a boat(mechanised boat) in my personal booking(I was alone in the boat apart from the ferryman). And the boat started at 25km/hr speed in to the lake. I was sitting towards the edge side of the boat. The breeze was so cool and soul soothing. It convincingly took me in to deep state of deep silence and calming ambiance.

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Its like paradise on earth

I was experiencing like I was in a paradise on earth. The blissful scene of Chilika was really mesmorising by the wizard environ of Beautiful Chilika.
[Large number of birds migrate to this place for nesting like Flamingoes, Ospreys, Golden Plovers, Sand Pipers, Gulls and many more.
There are number of beautiful and serene islands that attracts millions of tourist every year like Honeymoon, Break-fast, Somolo, Nalabana, Kalijal, Rajahansa and birds. All these islands serve as a home to number of fisher man. Regular water bots are available to visit this place
Nalabana – It is a bird sanctuary which is protected by Wildlife protection act. The island is situated at the centre of the lake.
Bird Islands – Bird lovers will find this as an awesom place as it a place for natural habitat for birds.]
I was slowly progressing towards Kalijai Island

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Kalijai Island:the abode of deep peace and bliss

The stopped at Kalijai Island. I went into the Island.
First thing I did after stepping into the island was visiting Kalijai temple. I offered my humble obeisances to maa Kalijai. The vegetation of the hill forest of Kalijai island was so green and wide spread. Many wild animals are frequently found there. I did not dare to enter into the wild island forest. I sat at the bank of island and attempted to decipher the magical and lovely touch of the natural beauty of the paradise(Chilika). I sat there for 1 hour being alone with my own time(I mean my time which I wanted to give to myself only to explore the natural beauty of the Island and Chilika). Then I returned back to the Panthanivash Chilika after another 40 minutes of boating.
I was a wonderful experience.